The 2025 list of the World’s Best Management Consulting Firms, produced with Statista, has recognised 227 consultancies across 28 categories. Deloitte led this year’s ranking with 27 five-star ratings and one four-star rating, compiled by Forbes.
Accenture followed with 26 five-star ratings and two four-star ratings, while McKinsey & Company earned 24 five-star and four four-star ratings. Boston Consulting Group received 22 five-star and six four-star ratings, with Bain & Company, KPMG and PwC also earning a mix of five- and four-star ratings across all categories.
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Eighty-six per cent of the firms recognised in 2024 made the list again in 2025, highlighting continuity in the sector. The survey introduced artificial intelligence as a new functional area, reflecting its growing importance alongside existing areas such as digital transformation, mergers and acquisitions, data analytics, risk management and sustainability. Ratings were awarded based on recommendations from consultants and clients. The top 10 per cent of firms earned five stars, those between the top 10 and 40 per cent received four stars, and all others with sufficient mentions earned three stars.
Marcus Berret, deputy global managing director at Roland Berger, said companies are reorganising their business models to address shifting trade policies and tariffs and are exploring ways to reduce production costs by up to 40 per cent. He noted that consultants must ensure their “recommendations are the right ones from a five- to 10-year perspective”. Roland Berger, which earned stars in 21 categories, retains roughly 80 per cent of its clients year to year.
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Berkeley Research Group, which earned stars in 10 categories, has seen rising demand from clients seeking to manage supply chain risk. Chief executive and president Tri MacDonald said the firm’s strength lies in its “well-coordinated” teams that bring together scientists, engineers and consultants.
Zoe McLoughlin, executive director at the London Business School Career Centre, observed that clients are requesting shorter project timelines, often in weeks rather than months, and are looking for deeper expertise in areas such as sustainability, fintech, healthcare and supply-chain resilience. She added that boutique firms and independent experts are gaining ground due to agility and lower overheads.
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a major focus across the industry. McKinsey has integrated AI agents into its operations to improve efficiency and delivery times, while Capgemini, which earned stars in 26 categories, launched an AI framework to guide clients on building tools, adopting them responsibly and identifying decisions that can be automated or left to human judgement. Roshan Gya, chief executive of Capgemini Invent, described AI as “becoming a utility” that is transforming how organisations operate.
Consulting networks also featured in the ranking. Zurich-based a-connect received a three-star rating, with its consultants often embedded within client organisations to implement processes. Sara Enriquez, a strategy and innovation lead at the firm, said the goal is for clients to continue independently once changes are in place. “It’s part of the work that nobody needs us at the end of the process,” she said.
The ranking draws on national surveys of partners, directors and client executives in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, alongside a global survey of 8,900 consultants and clients across 29 countries. Firms were eligible if they maintained active offices in at least three regions among Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America. Consulting networks were assessed using the same method.
The findings show a sector adapting to global disruption, client demands for faster delivery and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence. Firms across the field, from the largest global players to specialist networks, are adjusting their models to meet these expectations while maintaining their client base.
